College Rivals Enjoy Good-natured Barbs

COLLEGE FOOTBALL - Gridiron Classic - The Beat

January 29, 2004|By Jeff Darlington, Special to the Sentinel

Just as former Georgia WR Michael Johnson came within earshot of the interview, former Florida TB Ran Carthon abruptly stopped what he was telling a reporter for a chance to poke fun at his longtime rival.

This opportunity was too good to pass up.

"Watch this," whispered Carthon, who then raised his voice just loud enough for Johnson to hear. "So as I was saying, I'm just glad we beat Georgia all four years I played them."

Stopping short, Johnson's back straightened as he turned toward Carthon.

"That's fine," Johnson said. "Florida had a great team, and I'm glad Ran is happy. But who had the last laugh the last two years while they were sitting at home during the SEC Championship Game?"

This wasn't the first time the pair joked around about their collegiate pasts during this week's practices for the Gridiron Classic. And it won't be the last, either.

As both admit, that's what happens when you put longtime rivals on the same team. But as players from Florida, Georgia, Miami and Florida State said Wednesday, all bad blood has washed away for this week's Orlando-based Gridiron Classic All-Star Game.

Now, it's simply time to have fun.

"It's not trashing each other -- it's just comedy," said former Miami WR Kevin Beard, who is also on the South squad. "We're just having fun together. All these guys that used to compete during the season are just trying to come together to win the game."

But that doesn't mean players aren't still taking sides. Former Florida WR Kelvin Kight said the Gators' four representatives are quick to defend one another if anyone from the Seminoles or the Hurricanes start talking bad about their team.

"It's crazy," Kight said. "In the locker room, we're always going at it, having fun with all the guys from Florida State and Miami. If somebody says something about Florida, we're all over them."

WHAT'S THE RUB?

Less than two months removed from their collegiate careers, the athletes at the Gridiron Classic are getting a pleasant dose of what life might be like on the next level: body massages for everyone.

Among the amenities offered to players, students from Orlando's High Tech Institute set up 12 massage tables in the locker room so players can enjoy soft-tissue rubs following workouts.

So far, the perk has been a hit.

"Based on the number of repeat clientele, I'm guessing they are enjoying it," said Erica Robillard, 28, one of 24 students on hand. "One guy told me he's going to hire me once he goes pro."

ETC.

Who says practices for all-star games aren't intense? During the South's workout Wednesday, a small fight broke out when former Ohio State LB Robert Reynolds hit Missouri OT Rob Droege after the whistle. Droege went after Reynolds, only to take a jab in the helmet from the linebacker. Offensive players began cheering and hooting soon after the squabble ended. Tickets for the Gridiron Classic sold out Wednesday. The showdown, to be played at The Villages Polo Stadium on Saturday, will be broadcast live on ESPN.